A strategist, storyteller, and data champion
Job Description
The Director of Marketing and Communications is a strategist, storyteller, and data champion who leads the YMCA’s marketing, communications, and data insights strategy. This role ensures our brand is compelling, consistent, and aligned with the Y’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Director oversees all marketing channels-including website, social media, email, mobile app, print, advertising, and PR-while leveraging data and analytics to drive measurable impact.
An innovative leader, the Director shapes the YMCA’s voice in the community, ensuring every message reflects our mission and values. They will partner across departments to expand membership, grow program participation, strengthen philanthropic storytelling, and deepen community engagement. The Director supervises the Graphic Design and Marketing Assistant, empowering them to handle execution while the Director focuses on strategy, data analysis, and organizational decision-making support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field
- Minimum 7 years of progressive marketing / communications experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Non-profit experience preferred.
- Proven track record in strategic planning, digital marketing, and brand management.
- Strong skills in media relations, community engagement, and public speaking.
- Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present data in clear, visual, and accessible ways.
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel) preferred.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing staff or teams.
- Commitment to the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement the YMCA’s annual marketing and communications strategy aligned with theAssociation’s strategic plan and membership / program goals.Provide thought leadership in marketing, analyzing trends and data to inform strategies and identify opportunities for innovation.Partner with senior leadership to position the Y as a community leader and trusted nonprofit brand.Build and manage annual marketing budgets, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship.Brand & Communications Oversight
Champion the YMCA brand, ensuring consistency and alignment across all communications.Oversee public relations, media engagement, and crisis communications as neededShape and strengthen the YMCA’s community voice through storytelling and impact-driven communications.Collaborate with Development to support donor engagement campaigns and philanthropic storytelling.Ensure clear, timely, and engaging communications with members, staff, and the community.
Digital & Channel Management
Oversee marketing across all platforms : website, social media, email, mobile app, video, print, advertising, and PR.Lead the YMCA’s digital marketing strategies, including SEO / SEM, social campaigns, and email marketing.Identify emerging platforms and opportunities to expand reach and engagement across age groups.Data, Analytics & Insights
Establish KPIs and dashboards to track performance of campaigns, membership trends, and program engagement.Partner with membership, program, and development staff to collect and analyze performance metrics (acquisition, retention, program participation, philanthropic impact).Provide regular reporting and actionable insights to leadership to support decision-making.Translate complex data into compelling stories that demonstrate community impact.Team Leadership & Collaboration
Supervise, coach, and develop the Graphic Design and Marketing Assistant, ensuring high-quality creative output.Partner with membership, program, and development leaders to ensure marketing campaigns support enrollment, engagement, and fundraising goals.Build and maintain strong vendor, media, and community relationships that enhance the YMCA’s visibility.Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA COMPETENCIES FOR TEAM LEADERS :
Relationships : Build trust and positive relationshipsInclusion : Embrace diverse perspectivesInnovation : Seek creative ways to enhance the member experienceQuality Results : Deliver high-value outcomesSelf-Development : Commit to personal and professional growthYmca Careers
Similar Positions
Marketing Outreach Coordinator (Castle Hill YMCA)
Castle Hill YMCA
Marketing Director
Champaign County YMCA
Market Assessment & Membership Product Refresh
YMCA of Central Maryland